Sailer sees need for programs that connect consumers, farmers
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
simmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 12/15/2011 10:52 AM
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IOWA FALLS, Iowa —Larry Sailer started farming during the 1970's boom years.
"I was a young tiger," Sailer said. "We were really gung-ho, buying up land, but then 1980s hit, and it was kind of nasty."
Sailer lost the 700 acres he rented when his lender refused to let him pay more than $80 per acre in rent, far below the going rate . He sold the 160 acres he owned.
To support his family, he started a construction and carpentry business.
"That's how I survived the 1980s and 1990s," Sailer said. "I dug my way out of the hole and got back into farming."
Sailer now manages a 4,000-head finishing facility near Hampton and raises 240 acres of corn and 160 beans on rented ground in Franklin County near Iowa Falls.
He owns a set of hog finishing buildings, but they're old and after battling circovirus before a vaccine was discovered, he has decided to let them sit empty.
Because he loves raising pigs, he manages a finishing site for another owner.
"I own the acreage where I live, but the 1980s changed the way I farm," Sailer said. "I'm no longer a young tiger."
Sailer learned not to rely on just one thing. In addition to growing crops and working with the hogs, he moves snow and drives the handicapped bus for Scenic Living Communities in Iowa Falls. His wife, Janice, is in charge of housekeeping and laundry at Scenic Living's nursing home.
The Sailers raised the four children Janice brought to the marriage plus a daughter they had together. They have 10 grandchildren.
Sailer has been on the Franklin County Farm Bureau board for about six years was pleased to hear that the Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa brought back the America Needs Farmers program started by Hayden Fry during the 1980s farm crisis.
"I remember how they had the emblems on their helmets," Sailer said. "Hayden Fry knew how farmers were struggling and he wanted to call attention to the farm crisis. Today farmers are taking such a hit for our modern farming methods. I compare it to a business in town. Where would they be without their computers and cell phones?"
Sailer said modern hog buildings keep animals healthy and comfortable. Farmers use GPS to efficiently apply manure.
"We raise about three times as much corn as what I did when I started farming in the early 1970s," Sailer said. "We do it on less ground, and we use fewer chemicals and fertilizer."
Some regulations are needed, Sailer said, but the current situation keeps farmers from growing their businesses. He is considering new hog buildings but is hesitant to make a $500,000 investment when the government constantly changes the rules.
Sailer helped promote America Needs Farmers during the Iowa State Fair.
"We had a tailgating party at Iowa Farm Bureau Park," Sailer said. "We asked people questions about agriculture and they could win chances on a bean bag toss."
Sailer volunteers with the Pork Checkoff's Operation Main Street Program. He has given 60 speeches to Iowa community groups.
"I like answering questions the best," Sailer said. "People want to know the size of a pig when it goes to market, where I sell my pigs, how many pigs in a litter. They ask about genetics and feed efficiency, how I protect the environment and how I handle odor."
Sailer tells his audiences he doesn't want to pollute and he also doesn't want to annoy his neighbors with foul odors.
"I tell them that if I put up a $500,000 finishing facility, I'm paying property taxes and putting people to work," Sailer said.
He's received good ratings from his audiences.
"Once we explain what we do, consumers are going to understand and accept it," Sailer said. "I prefer to tell my own story. I've raised pigs for 50 years. I want consumers to know that I take care of my animals, that I love animals, and I want people to enjoy pork."